You will hear a podcast host introducing a film makeup artist who explains what trainees can expect from the job.
First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 16.
Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 16.
Hello, and welcome back to our filmmaking podcast.
This week, Claire Lamar is here to explain how people can begin a career as a makeup artist.
Claire has worked in film makeup for more than 20 years, so she has plenty of practical advice for anyone hoping to enter the industry.
Before you can work as a film makeup artist, you'll normally spend roughly two years as a trainee.
A low-budget short film is often a sensible place to find your first position.
You shouldn't expect a salary on a production like that because the work is usually unpaid.
Even so, the experience can make it worthwhile.
You should insist that the cost of getting to and from the location is paid.
Food, on the other hand, is rarely supplied, so make sure you take enough with you.
You may be fortunate enough to begin on a film with a much larger budget, and that can provide especially valuable experience.
Hair and makeup are handled by separate teams on productions of that size, so no one will expect you to style elaborate curls.
You will, however, probably work with performers of many ages and from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
Special effects makeup requires expert training, so a beginner is unlikely to be allowed to practice it.
Something trainees often find challenging is the pressure in a makeup department.
There's almost always another task to do, so long periods of sitting around are unusual.
The work can certainly be stressful.
Experienced makeup artists remain professional even when a director is impatient or criticises what they've done.
Watch how your supervisor responds and keep your own manner calm.
Over the years, I've met a great many well-known actors.
The first few times, I was completely overwhelmed.
I admired them so much that I could barely say anything.
That's still better than becoming overexcited and asking them to pose for photographs with you.
These days, meeting the cast simply feels like a routine part of work.
In fact, without their screen makeup, many actors look perfectly ordinary.
Every trainee needs a makeup kit and should have it available wherever they're working.
For the basic jobs trainees are given, a small collection of essential items is enough.
You don't need anything sophisticated.
It's useful to notice what more experienced artists keep in their own kits.
Just remember that you must never take one of their products without first asking.
You also need to develop a portfolio.
Photograph every piece of work you complete and, when possible, record several stages as the makeup is being applied.
Before using any of those images though, you must obtain permission from the makeup designer who leads the department.
Your portfolio will normally be sent electronically, so there is no reason to produce printed copies.
Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 17 to 20.
Now listen and answer questions 17 to 20.
So, what duties does a makeup trainee carry out?
It's worth considering whether the work suits your personality and whether you'd actually enjoy the routine.
Let me describe some typical responsibilities.
One possible job is preparing an actor before the makeup artist begins.
Some performers arrive after already cleaning and moisturising their skin.
If they haven't, you may need to do it for them and you must finish promptly.
Any delay could put the makeup artist behind the production timetable.
Trainees also contribute to continuity.
You'll take photographs, enter them into the electronic record, and make a paper copy for the individual performer's file.
All of this material has to be arranged carefully.
If a scene is filmed again several months later, the team may need to reproduce the original makeup exactly.
Then there are general duties.
These could involve making tea and coffee one minute and putting a load of washing on the next.
A cheerful approach and a readiness to take on whatever task is needed will improve your chances of being hired for another film.
You won't put makeup on the leading cast, but you may be allowed to work on background performers.
When a scene includes dozens of them, you have to move at a fast rate and avoid spending too much time on any one person.
Doing that successfully also requires a fair amount of self-confidence.
Now, let's turn to employment terms and working conditions.
That is the end of part two.
You now have one minute to check your answers to part two.
